“Bathroom Portrait of Accessibility” shows all the objects of access I had to set up for my Mom and myself while she underwent cancer treatment. Ranging from special disinfectant sprays that made it easier for my Mom and me to control infection risk, different types of mouthwash to prevent chemo-induced mouth ulcers so my Mom could continue to eat, a paper towel holder instead of a reusable towel since disposables reduce infection risk, a Japanese wooden bench used for sitting to brush her teeth when her neuropathy was very bad, a toilet safety frame rail to help her go to the bathroom safely, and a 'grabby hand' tool that she used to help her put on clothes and pick up things far away.
Creating these works, in collaboration with my Mom's guidance, helped us self-reflect on our disabilities, how we've coped over the years, and how our love for each other is our primary ‘access tool.’
ID:
An abstract comic-style drawing of a bathroom displaying varying objects of access. The walls are painted with rectangular strokes of off-white, light tans, and soft yellows repeated in a pattern. To the right is a white toilet with a grey half-tone pattern and a red and yellow toilet shag lid cover. Sitting on top of the tank are two containers of moisturizer. Above are two hanging paper koi fish - one red and white and one black and white. Both have gold eyes. In front of the toilet is a grey toilet safety frame & rail. To the left of the toilet on the floor is a blue watercolor-style mini trash can with gold speckles and a blue Febreeze spray can.
Further to the left is a brown granite counter and white cabinets. A soap pump, blue mouthwash, disinfectants, bottles, and an electric toothbrush decorate the counter. A grabbing tool (grabby hand) is resting across the counter. Above the counter, to the left, is a steel paper towel holder with a mini shelf attached, which holds toothpaste and other materials.
In front of the counter is a Japanese brown wooden hand-carved bench. Right next to the bench is a door made of white wood with a golden doorknob. Hanging from the door is a large brown bag with a white circle pattern and a small muslin bag.
Looking into the bathroom mirror is the reflection of the bathroom, which is from a photo of the bathroom in real life.
